GAMES

Red light, Green Light: Game Rules And Variations

Teachers love this game. It teaches children how to follow directions, listening and agility in a fun way. Also, the game can be played in as little as ten minutes or, if the kids are engaged, as long as you want. Moreover, this traditional game can be played indoors or outdoors.

YEET MAGAZINE

May 24, 2022 • 4 min read

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By Sophia Ava YEET MAGAZINE | Updated 0339 GMT (1239 HKT) May 24, 2022

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What age is Red Light, Green Light for?

Red light, Green light is a traditional American game still widely played in schoolyards. Red Light, Green Light can be played by children of all ages. It's a simple game that kids love to play because it can be played by any number of players, indoors or outdoors. If there are too many players to play safely in the space provided, divide them into groups and play multiple rounds. The first person to complete the first round can be the leader of the second round. The object of the game is to go from one end of the playing area to the other without being named for moving after “Red Light!” be announced. It's a game almost identical to our famous 1, 2, 3 go !

Origin of the game Red light, Green light

Although the origin of the game is unknown, Red Light, Green Light has been used for generations. Called Statues or Grandmother's Footsteps in the UK, it is a popular game for American children, which is also played in Australia, Finland and Sweden. However, the way the game is played varies in different parts of the world.

What are the rules of Red Light, Green Light?

Rules of the game Red light, Green light

No equipment is required for the game. However, if you wish, you can use green and red round signs. It is a good idea to use a double-sided panel with one side green and the other red.

You can opt to play this traditional American game in English (Red light, Green light) or opt to play it in French by saying “Feu rouge, Feu vert” instead. The game can be played indoors or outdoors. Designate the play area and have the children line up in a row facing the person who will shout “Red light, Green light!”

To play outdoors, you will need a large area such as open ground, a tennis court, or a large yard. The players line up on one side and the person who shouts “Red Light!” and “Green Light!” stands in the middle of the field. Each time that person yells “Green Light!”, players can run forward. However, when she shouts "Red Light!", they immediately have to stop.

At any time, the caller can say “Red Light!” and turn around. If either player is caught moving after this, they return to the starting line. Remember the following:

Don't run too fast or when you hear “Red Light!” you won't be able to stop.
The first person to reach the finish line is the new person in the middle.

Play Red light, Green light inside

The children stand about 5 meters from the person who will shout “Red Light!” or “Green Light!”. The caller will turn away from the players and say “Green Light!”. The children will move forward (without running: only walking is allowed) until the caller says “Red Light!” and turns quickly. If one or more children continue to move and are seen by the caller, they are eliminated. Players start moving again when the caller turns around and says “Green light!”. The caller wins if all the children are eliminated before anyone can touch him. Otherwise, the first player to hit the caller wins the game and gets the right to call for the next game.

The trick to winning at this traditional American game is to move smoothly and not too fast so you can instantly freeze until you are within range of the caller. Whether players win or lose, they will always have fun playing this challenging yet oh so simple game.

Use this game with your class

Students line up, side by side at one end of the play area facing the teacher.
The teacher stands in front of the children, in front of them.
When the teacher shouts “Green Light!”, the children move towards him. Tell them to walk, brisk walk or run, depending on the space available to play.
When the teacher shouts “Red Light!” the children stop where they are.
The teacher continues to shout “Red Light!” and “Green Light!” until the children reach it.
All children return to the starting line and the game begins again.

Game variants Red light, Green light

You can have simple red and green signs to hold as it adds to the fun of the games.
When playing with children of different ages, you can set two starting lines, the closer one being reserved for the little ones.
In a variation of this game, you can add “Yellow light!”, which means players can keep moving, but must move slowly.
The caller can also remain facing others at all times.
You can introduce new colors, giving variations on how to move to the finish line. For example, run on green, step on the right foot for purple, jump for yellow, etc.
The caller can designate himself as the finish line. This allows the game to move so that as players move closer to the finish line (the leader), the finish line moves further away.
For the hearing impaired, ask your interviewer to turn their back to the group for a red light and turn around (facing your group) for a green light.